JA Manafaru has announced a collaboration with China’s most renowned chef Da Dong to create a signature culinary experience for its guests.

Admired for his innovation of modern Chinese cuisine, Chef Da Dong founded Da Dong Roast Duck in Beijing more than 30 years ago and it has since expanded to nine locations around Beijing. Two of his Shanghai restaurants have Michelin stars.

Chef Da Dong spent several weeks in JA Manafaru exploring the potential of combining Maldivian flavours and ingredients with his distinctive Chinese cooking styles and techniques. The result is a menu combining both local ingredients and his signature dishes – a uniquely memorable dining experience.

The collaborative menu is offered at JA Manafaru’s award-winning overwater White Orchid restaurant, which offers Asian fusion cuisine that takes your taste buds on a journey across Asia with an exotic mix of Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Thai specialty dishes.

The collaboration between JA Manafaru and Chef Da Dong is part of a new group-wide push by JA Resorts & Hotels — one of Dubai’s longest-serving homegrown hospitality brands — to build on its excellent culinary offerings, with the opening of 10 new restaurants in 2019 alongside four collaborations with international chefs of Michelin star acclaim.

“Our fundamental belief is that the Food & Beverage outlets of any hotel are what provide the character and energy of the property. These restaurants can define the personality of the hotel, if they are attractive and exciting to the local community. We are on a journey to creating unique and memorable F&B outlets for our consumers,” Rob Cunningham, newly appointed Vice President of Food & Beverage at JA Resorts & Hotels, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

Situated on the northern tip of Haa Alifu atoll, a picturesque 75-minute seaplane flight away from Velana International Airport, the luxurious JA Manafaru beckons adventurous groups to its island paradise and chilled summer scene. Travellers can snorkel through Manafaru island’s stunning shallow reef and the gram-worthy azure blue ocean whilst spotting an array of exotic sea life including Triggerfish, Angelfish, Unicornfish, Eagle Ray, Moorish Idol, Butterflyfish, Clownfish, Stingrays and Blacktip Sharks. Super adventurers can even try night snorkelling and experience a whole new world of wonder.

Food lovers can try deep-sea fishing in a secluded tropical island setting on a traditional Maldivian boat, before indulging the taste buds and dining on your day’s catch in Ocean Grill, which features palm trees and idyllic blue-sky views. For a day of relaxation and laidback vibes, explorers can set sail on a castaway adventure to an uninhibited picture-perfect island. Known as one of the most serene islands in the Maldives, Medhafushi is just a short 10-minute trip away and offers a deserted island setting for picnics and dinners that will create unforgettable memories.

Featuring a stunning selection of beach bungalows and water villas equipped with their own private pool, the tropical paradise has everything adventure aficionados desire, including bicycles to explore the island, scuba diving, water sports, tennis, beach volleyball, plus seven world-class restaurants. Step into your best summer yet at JA Manafaru, Maldives – the perfect escape from city life!